Big win in Rockford; Rampage gain ground

Just about everyone else lost Saturday night in the Western Conference.

So when James Wright scored in the seventh round of the shootout in Rockford, the Rampage gained on everyone except Charlotte, which beat Peoria.

Houston got a late start because of some ice issues in the Toyota Center, and was dealt a cruel blow by the once-thought-out-of-the-race Hamilton Bulldogs, 3-2 in overtime.

The Rivermen are now winless in their last five (0-4-0-1), while the Aeros are winless in their last six (0-3-2-1). Both teams are suffering from the lack of offense. Peoria has just seven goals in those five games — three in one of them against Rockford. The Aeros have just 10 in their last six.

Lake Erie was stunned and shutout by Texas as rookie netminder Jack Campbell notched his first pro whitewash.

Since the Monsters have only five games left, their situation may be terminal, although their last four games are at home.

Today’s game in Peoria is huge — a typical “four-point” game.

If the Rampage win, they expand their lead over the Rivermen to five points…if the Rivermen prevail, the Rampage lead is just one point. The difference — five minus one — four points. Peoria has only five games remaining after Sunday, so they really have to win it, and in regulation, to improve their chances to make the playoffs.

Scoreboard watching will be an Olympic sport Sunday … the winner of the Rockford in Milwaukee game will stay in the race. The IceHogs have been playing great (4-0-0-1) and trail the eighth place Americans by two points. The Admirals are three points off the pace with two games in hand.

Grand Rapids has to play in Toronto and the Griffins are on life support. They are also four points out of eighth place, and they have a game in hand on the Amerks. A big win against the North Division leaders will set them up for a nice run, which culminates on the last weekend of the season for two games against Hamilton, which after the Bulldogs win in Houston Saturday, is still in the race, trailing by five points with six games left.

Of course, if the Rampage win, there’s no need to watch the scoreboard. The game’s will take care of themselves.

Fourth place Abbotsford — 80 points, six to play

Fifth place Charlotte — 79 points, eight to play // San Antonio — 79 points, seven to play // Houston — 79 points, six to play

Eighth place Rochester — 76 points, seven to play // Peoria — 76 points, six to play // Lake Erie — 76 points, five to play